Sleep Deprivation Increases Anxiety

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It has been said that anxiety disorders arise when our bodies' natural systems for anticipation stop working the way they are programmed.

Instead of preparing us for the next challenge, they remain activated. This causes us unneeded fear and worry.

There are many things that can trigger feelings of anxiety but one of the most recently studied areas has been sleep - or lack of it.

If you are not getting the proper amount of sleep it can help put you on edge. In most cases this is a subtle change but in severe cases of sleep deprivation it can lead to extreme mood swings and feelings of overwhelming stress.

Clearly the proper balance of the sleep-wake cycle is important.